Types of Seals You Need When Getting Married: A Comprehensive Guide to Inkan (Hanko), Personal Seal, Bank Seal, and Acknowledgment Seal Before the Detailed Procedures

2022.07.09 published

殿堂記事

I Want to Create a New 'Stamp' After Getting Married!

Once you've decided to get married, there are many preparations to make for the wedding and your new life together... One of the first things you might want to create is a new 'stamp'.

What kinds of stamps have you used so far? Many people likely have a 'bank seal' or a 'shachihata' (a type of stamp).

However, after getting married, you will both have the same last name (new surname), so one of your stamps will change. As a married couple, it’s desirable to have 'three stamps' that cater to various aspects of your life.

Yet, when you suddenly think about stamps, you may not know what kind you need or how to make them...

For those in this situation, we will thoroughly explain everything you need to know about 'stamps' after getting married.

Before Submitting the Marriage Registration - What You Want to Create: ① The Official Seal

The official seal is a stamp that you register at the municipal office where you have your resident record. People who have bought cars may be familiar with having a seal certificate and an official seal.

The official seal is the most important type of stamp. Since it entails legal rights and obligations, "stamping with the official seal = legal validity."

The official seal is used in social contracts or situations requiring proof, such as [real estate or loan procedures, inheritance, car sales, insurance claims, and deposit procedures].

Therefore, it is best to avoid using the official seal for purposes other than these and to use different stamps for bank seals or personal seals. Even family members cannot use the same seal.

What Stamps Cannot Be Registered as 'Official Seals'?

Those who want to create an official seal upon marriage may fall into two categories: those who do not have an official seal and those who have one registered under their maiden name or full maiden name.

If you have an official seal registered only with your maiden name or full maiden name, it will lose its validity after marriage, so you need to re-register (change registration).

So, what exactly qualifies as an official seal? Here are the types of stamps that **cannot** be registered as official seals:

✅ Stamps whose size does not fall between 8mm and 22mm

✅ Stamps that do not match the name registered on your resident record

✅ Stamps made from deformable materials such as rubber

✅ Stamps with unclear impressions or outlines, or those that are chipped

✅ Mass-produced stamps

✅ Stamps registered by someone else

If your stamps do not fall into these categories, you can register them!

Common Sizes of Official Seals

So, what sizes are generally used for official seals?

First, with regard to the size of the stamp: it can be anywhere from 8mm to 22mm, but the most commonly chosen sizes are between 13.5mm and 18mm.

It's said that women's stamps should be slightly smaller than men's (husbands').

Official seals for men are usually between 15mm and 21mm, so check the size of your husband's stamp and choose a smaller size.

Should the Official Seal Be in Your Name or Full Name?

Once you have determined the size of the official seal, the next dilemma is whether to use just the name or the full name.

Many who prepare an official seal before marriage tend to think ahead and opt for just the name. However, since you likely won't change the official seal after marriage, either option is fine!

Some may prefer to use their full name because they've gotten married, while others opt for just their first name. For security reasons, of course using the full name enhances safety.

Nevertheless, a woman's full-name stamp may be referred to as 'koga-sō' (literally "widow's seal"), as it's said that carrying the family name brings struggles for women and is considered unfavorable. Having two people in the family carrying the same name may lead to potential conflicts...!

Therefore, either option is fine, but generally, women's official seals are often seen as 【written horizontally with just the name】.

Before Submitting the Marriage Registration - What You Want to Create: ② Bank Seal

A bank seal is a 'registered stamp' necessary for procedures related to banks, financial institutions, cards, and utility bills.

If you were using a bank seal under your name before marriage, there's no need to change the registration. However, if you were using a bank seal under your maiden name, a change will be necessary.

Should the Bank Seal Be in Your Name or Surname? What Size Should It Be?

For a bank seal, 【using just the name written horizontally】 is recommended. The size should be smaller than the official seal but larger than a personal seal, typically between 12mm and 13.5mm.

(Note: If you were using a stamp with your name, there's no need to change the registration. However, if your surname has changed, you must change the registration!)

Before Submitting the Marriage Registration - What You Want to Create: ③ Personal Seal

A personal seal is used for everyday paperwork (simple contracts, resumes, change of address notifications, driver's licenses, etc.).

A recognition seal is best made in 【the surname written vertically】.

Since this is used frequently, it's recommended to prepare about two stamps (some people prepare one for home, one for work, and an extra one to carry!).

Should the Personal Seal Be in Your Name or Surname? What Size Should It Be?

The prevailing trend for personal seals is to write just the surname vertically, so those changing their surname will need to make a new one.

The size of a personal seal is generally smaller than both the official and bank seals, commonly ranging from 10.5 mm to 12mm.

What to Do If You're Not Sure About What You've Used Before After Getting Married?

I've explained the uses and creation of official seals, bank seals, and personal seals. However, many might not really know what stamps they've used for what, and how to proceed going forward. Moreover, your partner might not understand either!

For those in this situation, it is advisable to completely refresh both your and your partner's stamps with your marriage as a starting point.

While it may initially be a little challenging, changing the registration of your stamps as you change your names with your marriage will make things much easier later. Also, this fresh start will help you both build a new home together!

So, what kind of stamps should you create? I’ve put together a list of standard stamp sizes.

For those unsure about the size, it's recommended to choose either larger or smaller sizes to coordinate your choices.

Additionally, I created a table that includes whether the stamps should feature your surname or name, the writing style, and the font. If you're unsure about which to choose, feel free to use this guide!

Furthermore, durable materials such as ivory or black buffalo horn are recommended.

Reconsider Your 'Stamps' as You Get Married

We have introduced stamps that you absolutely need to know after getting married.

Many people have likely been using the stamps they have without much thought until now, but after marrying and starting a family, it's essential for each partner to have proper stamps.

It would be embarrassing as an adult to suddenly wonder, "What's an official seal?" or "Do I have an seal certificate?" when it comes time to buy a house or a car or sign an important contract!

Be sure to refresh your stamps and start your married life clear and organized!

➡ Check out the affordable sets of 'Official Seal, Bank Seal, Personal Seal' on Rakuten!

➡ What to Do with Your Maiden Name Stamp After Marriage? Discover the [Stamp Disposal Methods] that Are Surprisingly Little Known

➡ You Can Also 'Make Your Own' Marriage Registration♡

➡ There Are Also 'Marry' Designed Marriage Registrations＊＊